Weiland’s Words: Time, Talent and Treasure

Each time that we induct a new member we hear the phrase “time, talent and treasure,” and it brings me a smile. (I like alliteration.) The suggestion is that we as Rotarians can and should bring something to our club, our community and our world. Each of us brings something different than any other of our members. One brings time — to run errands, help someone in need, man a booth or help in a project. Another brings a talent, specialty or skill set that moves the group forward. That could be a lawyer that helps the club understand a document, or a woodworker that can prepare a gift or award, or someone that can set up kitchen at an outdoor festival. Others give outright gifts of money to initiate new ideas, keep projects alive or help in an emergency. All have their place.

The contributions of Rotarians go beyond these simple categories, bringing different inspirations, ideas and initiatives. (I have been working to get my own alliteration in here.) There are club members that bring their connections in the community and world that help get things done. Some bring their friends to join the club. Others are quick to share a joke or a hug.

With that said, I always think that the three Ts are scarce commodities to be spent carefully. Our Sunrise Club is one of the most active clubs in the district. That makes it fun and incredibly successful; it also means that we run the risk of over committing the club or putting our members on the path to burnout. As we know, most of the projects that we participate in give us more than we put into them. To watch a 3rd grade student receive a dictionary and find the world’s longest word is a recharging event. Seeing the change in our Rotary picnic area after a morning of effort is a recharging event. Watching all the participants in the Fiddlers’ Festival smile and tap their toes through the day is a recharging event. Those are the types of projects that I like to see people get involved with, the ones that recharge us. When we get recharged, we have more of the three Ts to share.

Each one of us needs to look within ourselves to see if the ways we are giving our Time, Talent and Treasure are recharging us in Rotary. In my business, putting your Time, Talent or Treasure to work wisely and expecting a return is called investing. I am asking us all to continue to invest our Time, Talent and Treasure wisely in Rotary. The dividends will continue to return to us in years to come.

There was certainly a lot of toe-tapping going on at Chase Palm Park last week at the final concert of the summer. Hats off to Judith and her Talent for putting on such a great series of events every year and making a place for club members to gather.